The above-named bank has reported that counterfeit cashier’s checks issued in the bank’s name and using a correct routing number of 101105354 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with a lottery scam.

The counterfeit items have no resemblance to authentic items and are being sent to potential victims along with fictitious winning lottery notification letters. The counterfeit items are printed on standard check stock paper, which is red in color and contain the bank’s logo in the upper-left corner of the instrument. The bank’s name appears in the top-center portion of the check followed by “Andover, KS” and a telephone number of “1-888-263-7819,” which is not associated with the bank. The words “CASHIER’S CHECK” are located in the upper-left portion of the check, and the statement “THE FACE OF THIS DOCUMENT IS PRINTED RED – THE BACK CONTAINS A SIMULATED WATERMARK” is printed along the top border.

Counterfeit items may be dated 06/14/2006, contain a check number of 15413687 and be payable in the amount of $2,900. To date, the remitter information on all items appears as “PRUDENTIAL LOCATORS INC.”

The letters accompanying the counterfeit items contain the letterhead of “Prudential Locators Inc., Unclaimed Funds Resources and Payment Verification Center, Suite 400, 12596 Hwy #50, Bolton, ON L7E STS” and are signed by either Michael Watson or Judy Bradbury. The contact number provided is 1-905-598-2945 Ext. 200. Recipients are instructed to contact this number upon receipt of the notification in order for agents to authorize the release of remaining funds as well as to instruct the recipient on how to make payment for taxes and surcharges.